Even though I’m not very sure about how you work, I’d still like to discuss some simple yet effective teaching techniques in coaching soccer drills before you start your practice sessions. In your soccer practice, identify one goal that is common to both the team and the coach for example; to have a lot of fun while playing the game.
Herein, you must remain careful otherwise you’ll not be able to follow the fun part. Consequently, identify such objectives that are particularly important for you as a coach and also equally important for the team. Some examples are; focus on player’s individual soccer skills, promote the importance of their physical fitness, and help them grow into mature, professional, and sporting soccer players.
It is your duty to set reasonably high standards for players in relation to sportsmanship. Cheer them to have an attitude of fair play, sportsmanship, and team spirit. When teaching soccer, you have the option to include any number of relevant objectives along with the ones stated above.
Winning is another important concept that I’d like to emphasize in coaching youth soccer. During the training sessions, introduce the open concept of winning and try to place it in their minds. Teach them that as long as their performance is out of ordinary on the field, they are winners, no matter what the final result.
The players as a result will feel totally relaxed but much more responsible to play the game sensibly with the team’s objectives in their mind.
It’s important that your instructions during coaching soccer drills are to the point and exact for players to fetch expected results. Before you start coaching your team, educate your players on some specific do’s and don’ts in the game of soccer. The disparity between coaching and teaching is obvious in the fact that coaching deals with the bunch of players who already know the game to some extent.
In the process of coaching drills, it is nice to first impart 5 to 6 demonstrations about a drill to the kids and then let them practice it themselves. It is because kids have a tendency to learn quickly by watching than by listening. If you endeavor to explain in instructions, they will not understand it. Relatively, they imitate perfectly.
Consequently, at all possible times, give a demonstration.
Finally, but still very important is your ability to keep the kids engaged in important activities. This is more valid if the weather prevents you from having a regular session. It is well known that the kids love playing in the rain. So, instead of revoking the session, it makes more sense to find alternative ways to let them have fun.
Just make sure that in a situation like this, your kids have an extra layer of clothing and proper footwear.
Now, it is time to add these tips to your training program and make the most of them. You will be astonished to see the results.
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Andre Botelho is a recognized expert in youth soccer coaching. He influences well over 35,000 youth coaches each year with his unique coaching philosophy, and makes it really easy to explode your players’ skills and make training more fun in record time. To download your free youth soccer coaching guide visit: Coaching soccer drills.
Tags: coaching drills, coaching soccer drills, Soccer practice, teaching soccer